Miami Beach is one big party.  Although not a party girl, I enjoyed this city much more than I could have thought.  I spent the days cycling up and down the boardwalk, visited Star Island (Usher's yacht is a behemoth!), and South Miami.  Coming from the Pacific Northwest in January, the warmth and sunshine was welcome.   The people watching here is some of the best in the world and the architecture is quintessential Miami Beach.

Miami Beach Botanical Gardens

This quiet oasis is located in the middle of the city, across the street from the convention center. Free (donation only), the Botanical Gardens is open to the public.

Hotels, Hotels, Hotels.

Although you spend your childhood and young adult life in a country, there are so many places unseen. When your home country is India, there will always be placed to go and explore. Last India trip we picked the Himalayas and this year we visited Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings” in northern India. It did not disappoint.

Udaipur

In a loud, chaotic, and colorful country, Udaipur is a sanctuary. The “White City” or “City of Lakes,” this hamlet is surprisingly peaceful. Every rooftop offers a place to relax, eat, read and take in spectacular views. The streets bring adventure and countless places to explore. Although we rarely visit the same place twice, we may be back Udaipur. Plus, the sunsets....

The capital and largest city in Austria, Vienna is known for the architecture, coffee-house culture, and music scene. Good fortune brought us to Vienna for a splendid 7 days.

The Habsburg monarchy made Vienna their home for more than six centuries leaving the Hofburg palace complex behind. Additional palaces include the Schloss Belvedere, the Habsburgs' 1441-room summer residence, Schloss Schönbrunn, the neo-Gothic Rathaus (City Hall), and the Ringstrasse encircling the Innere Stadt (inner city).

Even at home we prefer the simplicity of a hike and good home cooked food. Although Vienna can offer 10 euro cocktails and 30 euro dinner plates, we were interested in findings the soul of a city. We were told the real Vienna can be found on STEPHANSPLATZ, SCHÖNBRUNN and MARIAHILFERSTRASSE. A seven-week list includes:

-Eat Sachertorte at Cafe Central next to Stephanplatz.
-Take a trip on the hill of Schönbrunn.
-Walk through through Mariahilferstrasse all down to the museums and Volkstheater.
-Visit Heldenplatz in fron of the Habsburg palace, taking a pause on some world famous apple strudle and exchange words with people there.
-See the Neue und Alte Donau.
-Take a walk or use the bus to Kahlenberg, from which you can have Vienna "on your hand" with a beautiful panorama of the city.
-Stop by Favoritenstrasse where you can see "a thousand nationalities on one place at the same time".
-See Schwedenplatz where there are cool graffities and an excellent place for a walk.

Austrian State Hall

We are not museum people. We love to continue our education on a daily basis but quiet museums crowded with people just isn't our style. However, Vienna is a museum city and when in Rome (or Vienna!)... Before we left, we made ourselves choose one.

The State Hall of the Austrian library in Vienna, Austria offers an opportunity to experience Baroque architecture. Intricately decorated dome and numerous frescos demonstrate the imperial flair of this former Court Library, originally built in 18th century. Our favorite theme was the danger of ignorance and important of education. A theme that corresponds with our own: never stop learning.

Transportation

Vienna has a well-developed public transport network. Buses, trains, trams and underground lines which take you anywhere in the city includes:

-29 trams
-127 bus lines (24 of which are night lines operating between 0.30 am and 5 am)

The Wiener Linen vehicle fleet currently consists of over 500 tramcars and more than 450 buses. A single ticket costs EUR 2.40. We arrived Monday and left Sunday allowing us to make use of a week pass (only valid Monday to Monday) for under 20 Euros. We also purchased a roundtrip pass on the CAT train to get us to and from city center from the airport which is outside of Winer Linen. The CAT train bypasses the city traffic and gets you into city center in under 16 minutes.

There are no ticket barriers at stations and no formal ticket checks on trains, trams and buses. You just hop on and off unchallenged. Honor system!

An Artistic Waste Plant?!?!

Vienna’s power plants not long creates clean energy, but provides the city skyline with art. Spittelau waste incineration plant was given its color and design by eco-architect Riedenscreich Hunderstwasser following a fire in 1989. Since the redesign, the former utility building combines waster, energy and art. Visitors can tour the plant, gaining insights into Vienna’s waste, recycling, and disposal system with environmentally friendly generation of thermal heart and hot water.

Spittelauer Lände 45, 1090 Wien
http://www.wienenergie.at
+43 0800 500 770
tour@wienenergie.at

Am Hof is one of the oldest and most historical squares in Vienna and served as part of the Roman Army Camp Vindobona. It is worth a quick stop if you are strolling round the inner City or Ringstrasse. It was formerly the site of a Roman garrison, jousting tournaments, market and place of execution. It is dominated by the Baroque church.

In centuries past it was the also the location of 12th century castle grounds, a courtyard for jousting tournaments and a market square in more recent centuries. The square has beautiful buildings on each side. Best time to visit is during Christmas market season.

Getting There

The power of the blue (American) passport is strong. Going to Europe is as easy as buying a plane ticket. Non-US citizens, however, are required to obtain a VISA to enter the Schengen Area. This will require an in person visit to a consulate. We share our tips in obtaining our visa here.

Slovakia!

Bratislava is a beautiful, friendly city for an adventurous traveler. We wandered away from Vienna just for day, an easy task given the amazing public transportation syndrome. Only an hour train away from Vienna, the old city center is gorgeous, the old city center so small that you can walk in a day will a trip to the fort and back down to the Danube bank. This was easily our favorite day during a quick week long work trip to Europe.

The capital city of Ecuador, Quito is situation high in the Andes. Modern and not so modern apartments buildings creep partly up the mountains. The roads can be chocked with traffic so time must be budgeted accordingly. This city offers a starting point should you be headed to the Andes, Ecuadorian rainforest, of Galapagos Islands.

Day 2 Papallacta Hot Springs

Journey to the Papallacta Hot Springs. Located in a cloud forest at 10,800 feet elevation approximately 55 miles outside Quito, this is a local Ecuadorian secret. I traveled with a small group of 8 and we were the only ones there in April! *

A world class spa at the hot springs is actually quite affordable. We stayed at the Hotel Termas de Papallacta. When we arrived, the setting could not have been more serene with mist all around the base of the Andes.

Right outside the hotel rooms are numerous hot pools, surprisingly without a sulfur smell. Although there are public hot pools in the area, I did not see the need to use them given the lovely hot pools right outside my room.

Day 3: Banos

Located in the central Andes highlands, Banos offers the opportunity to hike and bike amongst numerous waterfalls, soak in hot springs, and stroll along the colorful streets exploring the cathedrals and plazas. The nearby Tungurahua Volcano is still active and you will be able to see the spurting lava at night.

Day 4 Otavalo

The attraction of many travelers and visitors to foreign countries is the traditional open markets. Although souvenirs can be overrated, traditional open air markets are hard to resist. Whether or not you come to spend, go for the experience. In Ecuadorian markets the food is fresh, the colors vibrant, and the experience authentic. Bring small bills, learn some basic Spanish (uno, dos, tres….cuanto es?), learn to negotiate, and bring a bag. Although I insist on packing light, I somehow managed to pack a vibrant wool blanket into an already full 55-liter backpack on an amazing tour of Ecuador four years ago.

The Otavalo markets are a way to experience traditional Ecuadorian culture. The biggest day for both gringos and locals is Saturday. Walk up early and watch the bargaining begin. That’s right, 530 am to make the sunrise. Find yourself on the grassy knoll over the town’s bridge and watch chaos of the local market begin.

The power of the blue (American) passport is strong. Going to Europe is as easy as buying a plane ticket. Non-US citizens, however, are required to obtain a VISA to enter the Schengen Area. This will require an in person visit to a consulate. For us, this meant a flight to and from Los Angeles to a European consulate. Yes, in person. For most people, this will require expensive travel and the Europen consulates as few and far between. The resources on what we needed was confusing and the process can be stressful. Purchasing flights and organizing a trip around a single appointment, you want to be prepared. We found this website helpful, but it did not answer all our questions. Here is what we learned.

1. Which consulate? If you are traveling to multiple European countries, apply to the consulate you are visiting first or spending the most days within.

2. Prove your roots in the United State, financial or otherwise. For most people, this will be showing you have a job and money in the bank account. The remaining documents almost felts secondary after we provided proof of employment and bank account records. The consulate wants to know that you are there for a visit and with plans to

3. In person appointment can only be within 90 days of travel. This is important. Plan ahead. We have two jobs and had to schedule the trip to the consulate in this window. Plan schedule as early as possible because you do not want to make firm plans until you have the VISA.

4. Other documents:

• Passport and Green Card/VISA with copies. Make sure the passport is valid for 6 months after your European stay.
• Self addressed and PAID envelope. The consulte will retain your passport and mail back to you. USPS or Fedex is recomended with tracking.
• Employment letter. See example here.
• Application form. Available on the specific consulate website.
• Two passport photos. These are expensive and will easily add another $15 dollars to the process. We recommend using a passport photo application form your phone such as Passport Booth.
• Proof of financial subsistence. Checking account statements should be sufficient.
• Health Insurance. I recommend Allianz. When we have actually needed to use our travel insurance policy they came through for us. Another positive is they are very familiar with European travel insurance and will draft an Embassy letter for you stating you are fully covered.
• Remember to bring your consular fee of 60 euro in USD cash.
• Round trip travel reservations.
  1. Proof of accommodation. Make reservations directly with the hotel which is easy to cancel. You can always cancel and get cheaper accommodation with hotwire/Airbnb/VRBO etc when the VISA is final.
  2. Flight reservations. DO NOT buy flights. Most travel agents can make a ‘dummy’ or ‘passive’ itinerary for you for free. Make sure you have a return ticket reservation no matter how long your stay. * Book final tickets after you have the VISA.*

We watched an applicant struggle in front of us who should have definately been more prepared. We labeled all of the above documents in the requested order. The consulate employee told us in no few words that we were very organized and approved on the spot. We do think making her job easier increased our chances of eliminating snags in the VISA process.

If you have any questions about this process, please comment or contact us directly! We will respond and answer any questions you have. Happy travels!

Yosemite is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, About 185 miles east of San Francisco and 360 miles north of Los Angeles. Nearby airports include Fresno/Yosemite, San Francisco, and Reno.

Ravi needed to obtain a VISA from a European consulate in Los Angeles (more on that later!) so we chose to drive a rental car from LAX and drop off the car at the Fresno/Yosemite airport. Although more costly to rent one-way, it was well worth the time equity and hassle of driving all the way back to Los Angeles. Plus, we made a Yosemite adventure out of a necessary trip to Los Angeles to obtain a travel VISA for another upcoming adventure. We found the best deal, an intermediate SUV, with our Costco travel membership.

The closest town is Mariposa, located on CA 140 approximately 30 miles west of Yosemite Valley. If you are visiting Yosemite in the winter, chances are you will be driving CA 140 as this road is open year-round. Mariposa will be the last call for ‘civilization’. Here we stopped for dinner, grabbed tire chains for possible flash snowstorms, and stocked up on a few groceries.

Entrance fees will run $30 per car for a seven-day entry. We used our National Parks Pass to gain entry.

Mirror Lake

The Mirror Lake Trail is a 2 mile round trip to and around the lake. The trail is an easy walk, accessed at shuttle stop #17. The first mile of the trail is even paved. Mirror Lake supposedly has minimal water at the end of year, so come early to catch a reflection shot of the surrounding granite cliffs. In the later summer, this area is called Mirror Meadow when the water runs dry. However, we visited in December and there was enough water to grab these reflections shots given the water was dead still. Exhibits along the way map out Mirror’s Lake’s history if that is your thing. Trail is open year-round.

Vernal Falls

Vernal Falls feels so much larger than its 317 feet. Unlike Bridalveil Fall, Vernal requires some sweat equity and cannot be viewed from the valley floor. The easiest path is a well paved trail from Happy Isles Nature Center. The Vernal Falls footbridge is a 1 mile, mostly uphill journey with some spectacular views. However, I recommend getting to the base of the waterfall by walking the aptly named Mist Trail. Although this trail closes in the winter due to possible rockfall and slippery conditions, many visitors took this path regardless. Lakshmi insists on following the rules which commited us to a treacherous 4 miles uphill hike around the winter route. Well, at least we got a workout. Plus, she was so tired after we reached the Vernal Falls that we took the closed Mist Trail down.

As is true for all waterfalls in Yosemite, the ideal time to visit is in late April to early May at peak flow secondary to glacier melt. We visited the second weekend in December and it was still stunning.

El Capitan

Spanish for “The Captain” or “The Chief”, this vertical rock formation was made even more popular by Alex Honnold’s historic climb, documented recently in the biographical documentary Free Solo. We are memorized by this man’s talent and seeing the enormity of his accomplishment in person was one appeal of this trip. Approximately 3,000 feet (900m) from base to summit along the tallest face, this is a popular destination for rock climbers. Since 1905, over thirty fatalities have been recorded. The most popular route is “The Nose”.

Take in the view from the El Capitan Meadow and try to spot a tiny bit of color the vast rock face.

If you visit in winter, there will be snow in this shaded meadow. We passed many families makes snowmen and memories with their children.

Bridaveil Fall

This waterfall is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the park and it is just a short hike from the main Valley. It has intense spray in the spring but we visited during low flow in the winter. The Ahwahneechee Native American tribe believed that inhaling the mist would improve your chances of getting married. This was the first waterfall we say and I thought it was absolutely the most stunning sight. Little did we know what else there was to see this weekend.

Lodging

Not every visitor to Yosemite desires the camping experiences. For some visitors, a luxury resort of lodging with modern amenities is what they have in mind. When visiting in winter, the weather makes modern lodging even more necessary.

Camping becomes less of an option in the cold winter months. However, there are plenty of heated lodges for your comfort.

Tenaya Lodge & Cottages is a luxury mountain resort, just outside the park. Prices start at approximately $169 a night. This accomondations also offers tours with “luxury tour buses” with roll back roofs for unobstructed views.

Majestic Yosemite Hotel (previously the Ahwahnee Hotel) is much pricier, starting at approximately $348 a night. We stopped in for the fire and clean bathrooms. Shhh, don’t tell.

We chose to stay at the Yosemite View Lodge, located two miles from Yosemite’s west entrance in El Portal, California. You can bring your pet and groceries as the room feature kitchenettes. After a long day of exploring and hiking, the spa bathtubs are also a plus. Given we visited off season, we were able to snag a room for just under $100 a night with balcony views of the rapids.

First rule of travel, take the travel opportunities available to you. Given Alaska was a cheap, direct flight away from our new home in the top left corner of the United States, I got to planning. We discussed booking a car and taking a train, all great options but we soon realized a ship must be part of the journey to America’s 49th state.

From the water, the access to cce and wildlife is at your fingertips. Certain areas (Glacier National Bay for example) are only accessible from the water. Although we never thought of a cruise as being an adventure, that is exactly what it is. Get to planning and take this trip soon.

Day 1

Anchorage Alaska

Anchorage is beautiful but the drive to Whittier was a surprising adventure. Whittier is approximately 65 miles southwest of Anchorage. Located at the base of the Chugach Mountains, Whittier served as a military base until 1960. Now, there are 290 residents with empty buildings by the port a relic of the prior port for cargo and troops during World War II’s Alaska Command.

Travelers must pass thru the 2.5 mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway/rail tunnel in North America. Whitter acts as an entryway into the Prince William Sound, renown for its tidewater glaciers and marine life.

Day 2

Yukatat Bay

The waters started off choppy on the second day of Alaska travel, but the views did not disappoint. We enjoyed ‘scenic cruising’ as we sailed into icy waters and past snowcapped mountains the entire day. Although we were not fortunate enough to see whales, the days could not have been more relaxing on ship when the waters calmed.

The highlight of the day is the Hubbard Glacier, 76 miles long and plunging about 1,200 feet into the bay. The enormity is lost in pictures. 200 miles northwest of Juneau, the Hubbard Glacier meets the ocean when it measures six miles wide. Two major surges have threatened to flood the nearby coastal town of Yakutat twice over the last 30 years. Given the majority of the ice lies below the water, most ships are unable to get too close. The closest a ship may be able to approach this giant is a ½ miles with the right conditions.

Day 3

Another day of beautiful sailing was in store. The water was rich glacier green, our new favorite color. The water contrasted against the blue skys, the clouds parting as we approached Margerie Glacier. Having an inside cabin forced us outside into the beautiful scenery. We were prepared for this and brought the right clothes but cozy flannel blankets were good for the taking to keep us even warmer. We ran around deck the entire deck, each view more beautiful than the next. We tucked into the dining hall when we got hungry, sure to grab a window seat.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

As one of the largest internationally protected Biosphere Reserves, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve offers natural beauty that at times feels like is disappearing in the modern world. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a highlight of the already stunning southeastern Alaskan wilderness. Scenery includes glacial fjords and mountain peaks that drop directly into the water. The marine park is accessible by boating into inlets, coves and hideaway harbors. Glaciers flow from the abundant snowfall of the surrounding mountains.

The spectacular day of scenery and wildlife is for many, definitely for us, the highlight of any Alaska cruise. Cruisers watch for icebergs and calving glaciers. Bring your binoculars and scan for wildlife…bears, mountain goats, sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles. Occasionally a humpback whale or grizzly bear will be visible near a glacier!

Margerie Glacier

Margerie Glacier is one of the few glaciers that is actually advancing. Measuring about 21 miles long and 250 feet high, this glacier is accessible by ship and popular for close-up views of ice calving. At the extreme northwestern end of the bay perpendicular to the Grand Pacific Glacier, this glacier is much cleaner than its harder to access neighbor and one of the most active for ice calving. When ice calving occurs, the sound is similar to a gunshot and the sight truly spectacular!

Day 4

Skagway, Alaska

We found ourselves in the port of Skagway, Alaska for 9 hours. Attractions include White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, Klondike Summit, Gold Rush History, Yukon (Canada), Haines, Red Onion Saloon, and Dog Sledding.

We took a ride on the White Pass Railway and a ferry over to the nearby town of Haines.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

Build it and they will come. The White Pass and Yukon Route connects the port of Skagway with Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon. As a closed system, there is no connection to any other railroad. Originally opened on August 1, 1900, the White Pass and Yukon Route took 26 months to build and cost 10 million dollars. This railway is a chance to experience a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

In 1896, the first gold flakes were discovered in the Klondike setting off a stampede of events better known as the Klondike Gold Rush. The founder of Skagway, Alaska predicted the future rush for gold and it was suggested that eventually a railroad would be built through the rugged terrain of the Chilkoot Pass.

The White Pass Summitt Excursion takes passengers from the tidewater at Skagway to the White Pass Summit, a 2,865 foot elevation gain, in the comfort of the vintage railway cars although viewing from the car platforms is also allowable. Viewpoints along the way include Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch.

Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry

Although Skagway will be crowded with tourists, the smaller town of Haines Alaska is a hidden gem and definite location of interest if travelers from a cruise ship desire a more authentic experience. Located along the edge of North America's longest and deepest fjord, 68 nautical miles north of Juneau in Southeast Alaska, Haines can be trickier to access to get to given the harbor is not accommodating to most cruise ships. However, it is easy if you know where to go!

For the travel explorers out there, the Fast Ferry service is walking distance from the ship port in Skagway Alaska, a common destination for most cruise tours. This will not be a cruise excursion itself but easily booked independently (and cheaper than most cruise excursions) online. A breathtaking 45 minute trip between Haines and Skagway, you will journey through the deepest fjord in North America. The service is safe, reliable, and an easy way to explore both quaint Alaskan towns in a day.

Given tickets are subject to availability I highly recommend booking ahead of time to ensure your preferred departure time.

Haines

It is not always dangerous to stand in the middle of the main road in downtown. In Haines, Ravi was able to do just that. We crossed the longest and deepest fjord in North America to find ourselves here. A small town with breathtaking scenery, we felt Haines was the most authentic stop of our trip. We took the ferry from Skagway having booked our tickets months in advance. A short walk took us into town where chatted and sipped coffee with Alaskan locals, perhaps one of our favorite memories of Alaska.

Alaska is absolutely incredible. We have no criticisms of our cruising experience. We went in knowning that Alaska has become somewhat manufactured to accomadate tourism. However, taking the morning to hop over to Haines we felt like locals in a real Alaskan town.

Day 5

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau not only stuns with natural beauty but offers original Gold Rush-era buildings, art galleries, museums, and colorful neighborhoods.
Mount Roberts is easily accessible from the port. The Mount Roberts Trail will take you through southeastern Alaska rainforest. The Mountain House at the 1,800-foot level is surrounded by sub-alpine ecosystem. Step on the surrounding trails and climb another 300 feet into the true alpine. Scenic viewpoint will be present along the entire journey. Bathrooms will be available at the Mount Roberts Tramway.

The trail system is well-marked. For active hikers, the entire trail is 7.6 miles out and back with 3,733 feet elevation gain. The tramway can cut the hike in half and will take you to 1,800 feet. For hikes that hike up, the tram back to the ship terminal will be free. We were ready to pay for the journey back down, but no one would take our money!

Mount Roberts Tramway

Take the tram. It’s a gorgeous view without the work of the hike if that’s your thing! As one of the most vertical tramways in the world, the ride itself it an experience. The tram takes visitors for sea level to 1800 ft elevation as you pass lush rainforest to the top of Mount Roberts. Adults pay $34 for an all day pass. The tramway is located just south of downtown. Look for the big red building on the ship dock.

The Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway opened in 1996, operating May through September. This is the only aerial tram in southeast Alaska and is a great way to soak in a view without expensive seaplane, arduous hike, or helicopter.

Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier ends in Mendenhall Lake, easily viewed from the Forest Service’s visitor center, with many easy to moderate trails nearby. The appeal of this glacier is the accessibility to the public. From the ship terminal many travel options are available.

Bus tour or taxi: The bus will run approximately 40 per person. Taxi may be better and more convenient for large parties.

The city bus stops 1.25 miles from the visitor and will be an extremely cheap option. The walk to the visitor center will be along a trail and is a great option for the budget traveler with extra time. For cruisers with limited time at port, this may be a bit problematic.

Day 6

Ketchikan, Alaska

The trip wound down in Ketchikan. We walked and walked and walked to explore the town. A local Alaskan warned us before we approached a bear!

The Misty Fjords can be found here, a wilderness area within the Tongass National Forest. The area has been compared to Yosemite Valley by John Muir for similar geology. My only regret of the tour is not putting down the money to visit. The fjords are a relic from light-colored granite sculpted by glaciers. The walls of these glacial valleys are near-vertical and can rise 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level. The majority of visitors will come by ship or fly in from Juneau.

Day 7

Vancouver, British Columbia

The only comfort of leaving our beautiful ship was that we docked in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Vancouver, British Columbia is stunning. If you only have a day, here are our recommendations.

Get high.

Find a tall building and find the view. We scored a killer hotwire deal at the Sheraton Wall Center. Not only convenient as we walked easily with our luggage from the ship port, but we asked a kind Canadian at check-in for the highest room possible, and we got it – 25th floor!

Get on the water.

Drop your bags and head to Granville Island. This trendy area sits just under the Granville Bridge with the Granville Public Market a hub of activity and delicious food. The adorable tugboat ferries talk visitors to and from the island. At the island we rented a boat from Granville Island Boat Rental and drove around the city. Relatively inexpensive, Lakshmi with a coupon in hand, it was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. No boating license is required, only a driver’s license. Ravi had never driven a boat in his life but there we were, out on the water in Canada in the middle of the city. We highly recommend this experience.

Whale watching

Whale watching tours take off from the center of Vancouver. If you are in Vancouver and ready to see an Orca, get on a boat!

Unfortunately, there are minimal photos from our whale watching experience from Vancouver. Yes, we did see whales. We found Orca pods, and many of them. The catch is this: Ravi’s eyeglasses found an unfortunate demise in the Pacific Ocean at the moment the very moment Orcas appeared secondary to his wife’s excitement. It put a damper on things but we still recommend this experience. If you are in Vancouver prior or after a cruise from Alaska, the cost of whale watching in Vancouver will be significantly less. Hint: check Groupon.

If you live in Oregon or are just visiting, get outside. It can be easy to neutralize to the beauty of one's surroundings. We work all week and sometimes at times feel like we can barely get off the couch on the weekends. However, we have recently made a point to go hiking every weekend despite our long 'to do' list and have not regretted it. We can lay down money for expensive plane tickets, wake up early to spend our day in airports and cramped planes (don't get us wrong, the payoff of those long travel days can be huge), but the beauty of Oregon is in our backyard.

We have complied a list of our 5 favorite hikes in Oregon so far. These are tried and tested, leading to some of our most memorable days in the Pacific Northwest. Use this list if you are just visiting or live in the Pacific Northwest. In no particular order, here they are. Get outside and explore!

Angel's Rest Hike

Another weekend is another opportunity to hit the trails in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge.

Angel’s Rest is a 4.8 mile round trip trail with 1450 elevation gain. Moderate difficulty, this trail can be hiked year long. A popular spot, you will pass friendly hikers. The popularity of this hike is largely form the perspective of the Columbia River. The precipice, Angel’s rest, is a relatively short hike with easy ascent. In addition, the drive from the trailhead from downtown Portland is only 45 minutes.

If you need a little added exercise, Devils’ Rest is only 850 above Angel’s Rest.

Angel's Rest Hike is not only a popular hike in the summer, but in the winter as well. Minutes from the city, this is where you will find locals on a rainy Sunday with their dogs and kids. No umbrellas, just rain coats. This is the Pacific Northwest!

Horsetail Falls

Explore Oregon and this stunning Columbia River Gorge waterfall. The hike is currently open to the Ponytail Falls. Leave the freeway and enter the woods in just a few steps! Although the majority of trails between Rooster Rock State Park and Hood River are closed from fire damage, this short hike is beautiful. Care must be taken with loose rocks. Although family friendly, the majority of families carry their small children. After viewing the Horsetail Falls immediately off the highway, switchbacks with rocks walls lead to the Ponytail Falls. A cavernous area behind the lava flow allows visitors the chance to view their waterfall from underneath.

The main trails continue to the Oneonta Canyon although currently closed. If visitors wish to view the canyon, it is still viewable from the road with nearby road shoulder to park.

Trail of Ten Falls

Oregon waterfalls never get old.

Silver Falls State Park is a treasure of Oregon. The property is over 9,200 acres. The Trail of Ten Falls is absolutely spectacular and offers hikers the opportunity to walk up to and behind waterfalls (10 of them, go figure!). The hike can be taken in either direction or as a loop. Several of the falls you will be able to hike behind. We packed a lunch and at it behind the North Falls!

A moderate 7.8 mile hike gains 1300 feet elevation to a high point of 1590 feet. If you are not up for a full hike, park at the South Falls and walk down the path. We took our mother when she was visiting for a quick but memorable trip behind the gorgeous South Falls.

Located in Oregon’s largest State Park, this trail is well-trafficked by fellow hikers. Dogs are no allowed on the Canyon Trail portion of the hike (where the majority of waterfalls are encountered). The South Falls Lodge offers a cafeteria, clean restrooms and parking will be plentiful. We particularly enjoy the Italian sodas after a long hike.

Cascade Head

We got off a plane from India, picked up our life’s belongings in Colorado, and drove halfway across the country to Oregon. A week after starting my dream job, I knew we had to explore the Oregon coast. Before we were even unpacked, we were off to Lincoln City for the first beach hike of our lives.

Not regrettably, we chose Cascade Head. Accessed by three trailheads, a lower trail open year-round and two Forest Service trailheads that are closed from January to mid-July, the views of the Coast are spectacular. We chose the Lower Conservancy Trail, a 4.2 miles moderate difficulty trail with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. The trip to Hart's Cove is 5.4 miles, also a moderate hike with 900 foot elevation loss. Stay tuned! That hike coming soon.

Fees: None

Latourrel Falls

Latourell Falls is a waterfall along one of Oregon’s playgrounds, the Columbia River Gorge. The Lower Latourell Falls are easily accessed from the Trailhead and a short further are the Upper Latourell Falls. The entire loop is 2.4 miles with an elevation gain of 625 feet. An easy hike, this can easily be completed in under an hour (more if you want to take in the abundant photo opportunities). Only a short drive from Portland, Oregon this trip can easily be done in a morning.

The trail is open year round and is both family and canine friendly. Lower Latourell Falls is a 224 foot waterfall single plunge system over a lip of basalt. The Upper Latourell Falls is a two-tiered system and equally as beautiful although less dramatic given the shorter drop. Although beautiful in all seasons, the water flows becomes low in the summers.

We visited in November during a chilly but clear day. Waterfall mist may freeze in winter making conditions more treacherous.

Open 6 am to 10 pm. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Entrance Fee: none.

Homemade Indian food is not hard. The trick is having the right ingredients at your disposal. I barely cooked before Ravi, and when I learned to cook it was Indian cuisine. We now say the best Indian food is our own kitchen. The trick is having the right ingredients at your disposal. To be ready to conquer Indian cuisine you should find and become familiar with your local Indian grocery.

Indian markets carry fresh produce, generally less expensive and better variety than the local grocery store. If you are vegetarian or just curious about veg options, you should be shopping in an Indian grocery store. The variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes is enormous.

Every week we go to the local Indian grocery for special treats and ingredients. It’s a tradition and we look forward to it. If you have never been to your local Indian store, you are missing out. Why? First of all, it can be like stepping back into Indian. Indian music is playing, Ganesh sculptures are on display, and Bollywood videos may be playing.

Here is our list of 5 ingredients/items you are missing out on if you don’t visit your local Indian grocery.

1. Lentils

Lentils or dahl is a staple of the Indian diet. Not only healthy and delicious but this ingredient is cheap! Every type of dried lentil and bean imaginable will be available at a fraction of the cost. Varieties include chole (chickpeas), masoor dal (red lentils), mung dal (yellow mung beans), and toor dal (yellow lentils) to name only a few.

2. Restaurant (authentic Indian food!)

Most Indian groceries have an attached restaurant! Never grocery shop hungry again. This will not be your typical Indian buffet. In fact, we find the attached restaurant serves more authentic Indian food including chaat and dosa (a savory Indian pancake). We go and we feast!

3. Ghee, paneer, and dairy

Ghee or clarified butter is starting to find its way into regular stores and farmer markets although quite pricey. This product will be exponentially less expensive at an Indian grocer. Additional dairy item include paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and fresh yogurt without gelatin or other added preservatives

4. Spices

At a normal grocery a small bottle of cardamom can easily cost $15. Not at an Indian market. Bags of spices are significantly cheaper. Yes, not small bottles but bags of spices that cost less than those tiny bottles found at a mainstream grocer. Keep it spicy without breaking the bank!

5. Ice Cream

Yes, ice cream, and not your typical flavors. Sandalwood (Chandan), basil (Tulsi), Chickoo, Kesar Pista (kulfi), Anjeer Badam, Litchee, Tarmind (Imli), Coconut, Kala Jamun, and the list goes on.

The tail-end of our cross country road trip we passed thru the Columbia River Gorge, a canyon that was created by the Columbia River as it divides Oregon from Washington. Measuring over 80 miles in length and up to 4,000 feet deeps, this area has become our new playground.

The Gorge’s climate transitions between temperate rainforest and dry grasslands, the rainforest area definitely our favorite for its many waterfalls. There are over 90 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Gorge alone! Although Multonomah Falls may be the most famous of these at 620 feet high, there are many more just as beautiful. What the other waterfalls may lack in height, the smaller waterfalls make up for in accessibility.

Horsetail Falls

Explore Oregon and this stunning Columbia River Gorge waterfall. The hike is currently open to the Ponytail Falls. Leave the freeway and enter the woods in just a few steps! Although the majority of trails between Rooster Rock State Park and Hood River are closed from fire damage, this short hike is beautiful. Care must be taken with loose rocks. Although family friendly, the majority of families carry their small children. After viewing the Horsetail Falls immediately off the highway, switchbacks with rocks walls lead to the Ponytail Falls. A cavernous area behind the lava flow allows visitors the chance to view their waterfall from underneath.

The main trails continue to the Oneonta Canyon although currently closed. If visitors wish to view the canyon, it is still viewable from the road with nearby road shoulder to park.

Latourrel Falls

Latourell Falls is a waterfall along one of Oregon’s playgrounds, the Columbia River Gorge. The Lower Latourell Falls are easily accessed from the Trailhead and a short further are the Upper Latourell Falls. The entire loop is 2.4 miles with an elevation gain of 625 feet. An easy hike, this can easily be completed in under an hour (more if you want to take in the abundant photo opportunities). Only a short drive from Portland, Oregon this trip can easily be done in a morning.

The trail is open year round and is both family and canine friendly. Lower Latourell Falls is a 224 foot waterfall single plunge system over a lip of basalt. The Upper Latourell Falls is a two-tiered system and equally as beautiful although less dramatic given the shorter drop. Although beautiful in all seasons, the water flows becomes low in the summers.

We visited in November during a chilly but clear day. Waterfall mist may freeze in winter making conditions more treacherous.

Open 6 am to 10 pm. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Entrance Fee: none.

Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park is a treasure of Oregon. The property is over 9,200 acres. The Trail of Ten Falls is absolutely spectacular and offers hikers the opportunity to walk up to and behind waterfalls. The hike can be taken in either direction as it is a loop. Several of the falls you will be able to hike behind. We packed a lunch and at it behind the North Falls!

A moderate 7.8 mile hike gains 1300 feet elevation to a high point of 1590 feet. If you are not up for a full hike, park at the South Falls and walk down the path. We took our mother when she was visiting for a quick but memorable trip behind the gorgeous South Falls.

Located in Oregon’s largest State Park, this trail is well-trafficked by fellow hikers. Dogs are no allowed on the Canyon Trail portion of the hike (where the majority of waterfalls are encountered). The South Falls Lodge offers a cafeteria, clean restrooms and parking will be plentiful. We particularly enjoy the Italian sodas after a long hike.

Bridal Veil Falls

A rainy-day drive on the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway turned into a spontaneous visit to Bridal Veil Falls State Park. Oregon waterfalls are beautiful, but a waterfall after a week of rain on a rainy day is the ultimate. Visitors are thinned and the waterfalls are thinned. The spray soaks you but for us that was half the fun.

Bridal Veils falls is easy walking distance from the parking area. Out and back only requires a 2/3 mile walk. For visitors that want to stay dry, a viewing platform was rebuilt in 1996.

Wahkeena Falls

Wahkeena Falls has a unique beauty all its own. It’s not huge or have a fancy lodge or freeway exit to draw crowds. It’s just beautiful.

However, if a massive waterfall and large crowds are your thing, we recommend the half mile hike from Wakheena to Multonomah Falls.

Oregon waterfalls never get old.

Silver Falls State Park is a treasure of Oregon. The property is over 9,200 acres. The Trail of Ten Falls is absolutely spectacular and offers hikers the opportunity to walk up to and behind waterfalls. The hike can be taken in either direction as it is a loop. Several of the falls you will be able to hike behind. We packed a lunch and at it behind the North Falls!

A moderate 7.8 mile hike gains 1300 feet elevation to a high point of 1590 feet. If you are not up for a full hike, park at the South Falls and walk down the path. We took our mother when she was visiting for a quick but memorable trip behind the gorgeous South Falls.

Located in Oregon’s largest State Park, this trail is well-trafficked by fellow hikers. Dogs are no allowed on the Canyon Trail portion of the hike (where the majority of waterfalls are encountered). The South Falls Lodge offers a cafeteria, clean restrooms and parking will be plentiful. We particularly enjoy the Italian sodas after a long hike.

Latourrel Falls

Latourell Falls is a waterfall along one of Oregon’s playgrounds, the Columbia River Gorge. The Lower Latourell Falls are easily accessed from the Trailhead and a short further are the Upper Latourell Falls. The entire loop is 2.4 miles with an elevation gain of 625 feet. An easy hike, this can easily be completed in under an hour (more if you want to take in the abundant photo opportunities). Only a short drive from Portland, Oregon this trip can easily be done in a morning.

The trail is open year round and is both family and canine friendly. Lower Latourell Falls is a 224 foot waterfall single plunge system over a lip of basalt. The Upper Latourell Falls is a two-tiered system and equally as beautiful although less dramatic given the shorter drop. Although beautiful in all seasons, the water flows becomes low in the summers.

We visited in November during a chilly but clear day. Waterfall mist may freeze in winter making conditions more treacherous.

Open 6 am to 10 pm. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Entrance Fee: none.

Cascade Head

We got off a plane from India, picked up our life’s belongings in Colorado, and drove halfway across the country to Oregon. A week after starting my dream job, I knew we had to explore the Oregon coast. Before we were even unpacked, we were off to Lincoln City for the first beach hike of our lives.

Not regrettably, we chose Cascade Head. Accessed by three trailheads, a lower trail open year-round and two Forest Service trailheads that are closed from January to mid-July, the views of the Coast are spectacular. We chose the Lower Conservancy Trail, a 4.2 miles moderate difficulty trail with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. The trip to Hart's Cove is 5.4 miles, also a moderate hike with 900 foot elevation loss. Stay tuned! That hike coming soon.

Fees: None

Winter 2019 Whale Watch week is announced! December 27th – December 31st, 2018. So, head off to the gorgeous Oregon coast. Although whales can be seen off the coast of Oregon year they, migrate along the coast twice a year. During the last week of the year and spring, approximately 20,000 gray whales migrate between Alaska and Baja Mexico just off the coast of Oregon. Resident gray whales will be seen feeding in the shallow waters during the summer months.

The Pacific gray whale is approximately 50 feet long and 80,000 pounds. These whales are like us, living as long as 80 years. Aside from humans, the orca or killer whale is their only predator. Commercial hunting greatly depleted the population in the mid-19th and early 20th century although illegal today. Additional threats include ships, habitat destruction, and noise pollution.

Our favorite place to view whales is Depoe Bay, Oregon. We are partial to this area as it was the first time we saw a whale. We managed to book an incredible day on a simple fishing boat viewing dozens of whale families. The southern migration falls on the Christmas and New Years, a brilliant way to spend the holiday. A spontaneous trip for New Years Even 2018 soon sparked our interest in these creatures. We have now viewed whale in Canada and California as well and will continue to book available opportunities.

A whale viewing center is available at the coast and will be staffed during the migration. However, we recommend finding a boat and heading into the water for an up-close experience. If you are unable to visit the Oregon Coast this winter, resident gray whales can also be seen feeding in the shallow waters during the summer months. This summer we came back to the coast to view the resident whales with Whale Research Eco Excursions. Resident gray whales will be seen feeding in the shallow waters during the summer months. As this company is owned by a marine biologist, the trip is educational and incredibly exciting as you board retired marine Zodiac boats!

The reason we have no pictures of the whales is for a very specific reason. When we view these magnificent creatures, we take in the moment. They are shy animals and surface briefly. We recommend putting the screen away and taking in the moment in person when a whale reveals itself. Take your partner, your friend, your parents (we brought our mother), or yourself and experience it!

Established in 1907 and still standing as one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the United States, Pike Place Market is a must for anyone visiting Seattle. Visitors beware, it will be crowded! Ranked as the 33rd most visited tourist attraction in the world, more than 10 million people visit annually.

As new residents of the Pacific Northwest, we have been three times, each time very crowded but always worth the trip. Here are these tips to know before visiting.

1. Parking is scarce. We recommend public transportation or taking the beautiful city of Seattle by foot if you are staying nearby. If you must drive, a parking service such as Spot Hero is can save time and money. We utilized this service as we were staying out by the airport and it saved us. We received excellent parking in a valet garage for less than $10.

2. Strategize and beat the crowds. Try to visit on non-holidays and weekdays, specifically before 12 pm. The best we could do was a Friday afternoon in mid-November. Although the Market was certainly busy, we were able to move through the stalls freely.

3. Visit in the winter but dress warmly! You may avoid the larger crowds but feeling cold can hamper a great outing. I love the Pacific Northwest in the winter, rain and all. There is a peaceful ambiance about Pacific Northwest winters to us. However, the dampness can amplify the cold.

4. Enjoy the views. Pike Place Market overlooks Elliott Bay waterfront.

5. Come with an empty stomach. There is an incredibly amount of delicious food to try with over 80 restaurants. Our stomach always gravitate towards Indian food so a stop at Saffron Spice stall is always a must. However, we also have many more stops on our list.

Restaurants and food vendors

There are too many restaurants and food vendors to mention. As such, we will just list our top four. The fun of the market for visitors, especially first time visitors, is exploring and findings new foods and treats on the way! So go without plans and stop when you want.

1. Saffron Spice is always a stop for us. No fuss, easy grab and go with delicious Samosa’s, Ravi’s favorite. The stall is located right in the Market by the fish throwers, so it’s very convenient and close to the action!

206-682-2593 | www.saffronspice.weebly.com
93 Pike Street, Seattle WA 98101
Mon - Sat 10 am - 6

2. Daily Dozen Doughnuts is located right next to Saffron Spice. How convenient! Who doesn’t love donuts? There will be a line but it will move fast.

206-467-7769
93 Pike St, Seattle WA 98101
Mon-Sun 8:30 am - 5 pm

3. Kastori Grill serves Indian (our obvious favorite) but also Nepalese and Tibetan foods. If you have more time to sit down and want Indian, this is a great choice. Located in the Fairmont Building.

206-441-5456 | www.kastoorigrill.com
94 Stewart St., Seattle WA 98101
Mon - Thurs 11 am-10 pm, Fri - Sat 11 am-11 pm, Sun 10 am-10 pm

4. Ellenos Greek Yogurt was started right in Seattle. The milk is sourced fresh from LOCAL farmers. Delicious toppings on 100% natural.

206-625-5006 | www.ellenos.com
1500 Pike Pl, Seattle WA 98101
Mon - Sat 9 am - 6 pm; Sun 9 am - 5:30 pm

The Original Starbucks is at Pike's Place Market, Right?

The original Starbucks opened in 1971. The original address was 2000 Western Avenue from 1971-1976 until it moved to the present address at 1912 Pike Place, its present location. The store’s exterior is unchanged secondary to its historical significance and remains a popular tourist attraction. So, truth be told, this is not the original Starbucks. However, when the original store moved, it officially changed locations and the first store was no longer open.

The new store has taken efforts to keep the Pike Place location authentic. “The design of our 1st & Pike coffeehouse evokes the warm heritage of that first store through its hardwoods, furniture and lighting.” https://www.starbucks.com/coffeehouse/store-design/1st-and-pike.

High Stalls

The local displays of local fruits, vegetables and herbs are seasonal and locally grown. There will be plenty of hand out samples to try. Even if you are visiting and not in need of fresh groceries, the displays are beautiful to look at.

Walk around, enjoy the views, and grab a cup of coffee.

Hiring a car for the entire journey is quite affordable and a simple way to travel through different hill stations and see the sights. From Dehli we flew into Chandigarh and drove from to Dalhousie and then to Dharamshala. Although the car journeys were long, it was a wonderful way to see real India and the small villages and interesting road traffic along the way within the comfort of a clean, air-conditioned private vehicle. Although traveling on local transportation and trains is more of an adventure, travel to India can be hard on the body and it was nice to have the comfort of easy transportation.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a picturesque hill station in the Chamba district of northern India within the state of Himachal Pradesh. Established in 1854 as a summer vacation retreat for the troops and officials of the Indian Empire, it is now a popular destination for Indians and non-Indians. The quiet, serene atmosphere is perfect for anyone who wants to de-stress. Situated between snow-capped peaks, elevations vary between 6,000 and 9,000 feet.

The British influence is still very much alive in many of the hotels. Named after The Earl of Dalhousie, the British Governor-General established this town as his summer retreat.

Located on the western edge of the Dhauladhar mountain of the Himalayas, Dalhousie is surrounded by snow covered mountain peaks. Peak tourist season runs from May to September. As we visited in June, we were not disappointed by the perfect weather and majestic views. We arrived after the long although very interesting car journey from Chandigarh. We were fortunate to book lodging at the Grand View Hotel, an aptly named accommodation that we found hard to leave after two days in the hotel's peace and beauty. We could have stayed for five days, so thrilled we are stunning yet affordable hotel.

The grounds at Grand View Hotel are beautifully maintained with the Himalayas on full display by the large north facing windows. The room are beautiful and even include a large tub! Anyone who has traveled within India knows this comes as a luxury. There are many places to sit and soak in the majesty of the view. If the Himalayas are not enough, the grounds are covered with gorgeous hydrangeas. A monkey may even randomly cross your path and you make the short journey into town.

When hunger sets in, visitors can move upstairs to the dining room where breakfast and dinner was served. The options were plentiful and the food delicious. We always took a table by the window to ensure we could soak up every second of this 'Grand View'.

Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a hill station in the Himalayas, best known for the Tibetan community and home of the Dalai Lama. Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising, refugees followed the 14th Dalai Lama. In modern day, his residence has made this hill station popular among both foreign and Indian tourists.

Multiple foreigners, backpackers, and students of Buddhism travel to Dharamshala making peace and tranquility a bit more difficult to find (although attainable), especially in McLeod Ganj.

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium services the Himachal Pradesh state cricket team and is the highest altitude Cricket Stadium in the world. Located in Dharamshala India, this northen India hill station is also home to the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Picturesque matches held here include views of snow-capped mountains. Situated at 1,457 meters above sea level, this venue is truly unique.

Living in North America, it is easy to forget how popular cricket is in the rest of the world. Over 2.2 billion people watched the last Cricket World Cup. The India vs. Pakistan match drew over 1 billion viewers alone.

Given this was our honeymoon (or just another excuse to travel), we stayed at higher scale accomodation. Our favorite place in Dharamsala? A shared balcony outside our room.